There are a few broad concepts that play a major role in health and wellbeing, and the realm of touch is definitely on this list. Touch has long been used by humans for everything from recovery and wellness to communication and more, and physical touch is a daily element of our lives that must be considered.
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're extremely sensitive to the realm of touch and how it can benefit our patients in Lehi, Orem and nearby areas. We offer a wide range of massage therapy programs, from deep tissue massage to sports massage, bamboo massage and more. Here are some basics on touch as a simply human need, plus some of the key ways that quality touch benefits wellbeing in numerous ways.
As we alluded to above, physical touch is a major need for humans, both infants and adults. Research has shown that we are hard-wired to seek out comfortable physical contact with one another.
Touch conveys many things, from trust and affection to protection and comfort. It's no surprise then that touch can be an essential part of healing, particularly when it comes to alleviating pain.
In fact, research has shown that touch has several major benefits on overall health and wellbeing. Our next several sections will go over the most common and notable examples.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, so touch is also linked to the alleviation of mental struggles. Massage therapy has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels significantly, as well as improve mood. Additionally, it can be used to help with insomnia and even depression in some cases.
This is done through a variety of techniques, from calming massage strokes and movements to breathwork and more.
Down related lines, massage can also be used to help clear the mind, improve focus and even boost creativity. Some people take massage therapy sessions to gain clarity and better understand their emotions, freeing them from any mental blocks or hindrances.
This can be especially helpful for those who may already be suffering from depression, anxiety and other psychological conditions.
Another key benefit of massage therapy is the mind-body connection. Massage can help to relieve physical pain, while also calming the mind and reconnecting us with our bodies. This allows us to become more aware of how we are feeling physically and emotionally, giving us a better understanding of ourselves and our overall wellbeing.
For instance, let's say that someone is suffering from a chronic pain condition. Massage can help alleviate the physical pain, while also allowing them to feel more aware of their body and how it's feeling. This combined with other treatments can be incredibly beneficial in the long run.
For those unfamiliar with oxytocin, it's a hormone linked to social bonding and trust. Oxytocin is released when we hug, kiss, cuddle and engage in other intimate activities with our loved ones. It also plays a role in childbirth and breastfeeding.
Massage therapy can produce oxytocin as well, allowing us to gain the same calming effects of closeness and comfort without the need for a partner or family member. This can be particularly beneficial for those who may not have access to such physical closeness due to location, relationships, etc.
Another major benefit of touch is the impact it can have on sleep. Touch helps to relax us and reduce tension in our bodies, making it easier for us to drift off into a peaceful sleep. Massage therapy sessions are often used to help people with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, helping them improve their overall quality of life.
For many people, massage is used to improve their overall immune function. Studies have shown that regular massage therapy sessions can help to reduce stress hormones, which can in turn boost the body's natural ability to fight off infections and illnesses.
This is beneficial for those who may be prone to certain health issues or may be suffering from a chronic condition.
Finally, massage therapy can help to improve cardiovascular health and reduce blood pressure. This is done through increased circulation, which helps to stimulate the muscles and organs in the body. This can help with everything from fatigue to weakened immune function.
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we understand the power of touch when it comes to health and wellbeing. We offer a wide range of massage therapy programs, from deep tissue massage to hot stone massage and more. Book your session today and discover how quality touch can help you achieve true balance in your life, whether you're in Orem, Lehi or any nearby area.